Dr. Ishi Samuel, the former Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government in Rivers State, has made serious allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Hon. Ehie Edison.
In a viral video, Samuel accused the governor and his aide of hiring gunmen to attack sacked local council chairmen and their supporters across various local government areas.
According to Samuel, these armed thugs have been causing chaos by shooting at local government officials and destroying property.
“They are going from local government to local government, breaking local government secretariats, looting council properties in the name of governing a state and you say Governor Fubara is best for democracy,” Samuel stated passionately in the video.
He further accused Governor Fubara of bringing “full-blown insecurity” to Rivers State under the guise of governance.
Samuel also claimed that these violent acts were not limited to council members but extended to law enforcement officers, stating, “They even shot policemen, sponsored by the governor and his chief of staff, Ehie Edison. It is a shame.”
The former chairman has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the escalating crisis, urging for the constitutional rights of the local governments to be upheld.
“We are calling on Mr President that this is the time for the constitution of Nigeria to be upheld,” Samuel said, emphasizing the need for federal intervention.
Tensions in Port Harcourt have been high following the expiration of the tenures of local council chairpersons on June 17, 2024.
Youths allegedly loyal to Governor Fubara have reportedly taken over all council secretariats in the state, preventing outgoing chairpersons from accessing their offices.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense as residents and local government officials await further developments and potential federal intervention in response to Samuel’s allegations.